Day 72 - Edmundston, NB (Rest Day)

July 24 (Friday)

Start Time: N/A

Stop Time: N/A

KM Travelled: 0 on the Bike

Elevation: 0 on the Bike

Special Stuff: Getting to know geography, Welcoming and helpful people from Quebec

Brian is working today, so I spend most of the day in my 'office', on the bed. I plan for the next 4 days.

For the first time, I dare to think about what the end of the adventure will look like. There are a few family members who might like to be at Cape Spear when I finish my ride. I need to give them time to make arrangements to get to Newfoundland. I start sketching out a really rough timeline to the finish line. I give them an estimated finish date (not yet to be disclosed).

Edmundston is incredibly close to the border of the United States - the state of Maine. During the end of the Quebec (province) section and the beginning of the New Brunswick section of the ride, I've basically been working my way around Maine. This information will help me for this year's Thanksgiving game challenge (I'm the game coordinator) - the game will be to name as many states in the United States (for those who will be at Thanksgiving dinner - don't say I didn't give you a heads up).

Crossing over from Quebec (province) yesterday, I'm reflective on my experience in Quebec (province). I was not sure how our visit in Quebec (province) would go. I had heard that Québécois(e) are intolerant of and rude towards English speaking people. I did not have this experience at all! I would even say that many people in Quebec were friendly and helpful. In Quebec (province) would always start the conversation in French, and ask to switch over to English if the person was able and willing. I think that is an important part - to make the effort to communicate in French. Brian had the same experience as well - and he only speaks two phrases: "Ça va" and Un petit peu", and that's all he needed to get by. In our experience, Quebec (province) is beautiful and welcoming.

At the end of the day, we take a quick trip into Edmundston to do a bit of grocery shopping and then had a great summer evening dinner! I received a great broccoli salad recipie from my daughter - it was fabulous - and it's now a new dinner favourite!